Essential information This Directory’s free helpline This Directory’s free helpline provides an independent information and help service encompassing care and accommodation. A personalised report can be generated for you, providing details of all home care providers, care homes or care homes with nursing that meet your criteria. One call to the freephone number: 0800 389 2077 will enable the service to build a profile of exactly what type of care you’re looking for, while taking into account your personal needs and interests.
search can then be saved and emailed to others. You can also view an electronic version of this Directory on the site and have it read to you by using the ‘Browsealoud’ function. Whatever your care needs, this Directory, the Care Choices helpline and website will be able to point you in the best direction, however you would like care information presented.
The website: www.carechoices.co.uk allows you to search by postcode or region for care homes, care homes with nursing and home care providers that meet your requirements across the country. Your
How solicitors can help A solicitor can give you impartial advice about wills, making gifts, estate planning and Powers of Attorney. Some can also offer guidance on immediate and long-term care plans, making sure (if applicable) the NHS has made the correct contribution to your fees.
your wishes about future medical treatment but it is not legally binding. You may instead wish to make a living will, officially known as an ‘advance decision’, setting out treatment that you do not want to receive in specified circumstances, which would legally have to be followed, even if you die as a result.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) allow you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your personal welfare, including healthcare and consent to medical treatment, and/or your property and financial affairs. A LPA is only valid once it is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. It allows for a person of your choice to make decisions on your behalf at a time when you may be unable.
Any proposed gift out of your estate needs careful consideration of the benefits, risks and implications, particularly on any future liability for care costs or tax liability.
The Court of Protection can issue Orders directing the management of a person’s property and financial affairs if they are incapable of managing their own affairs, if they do not have a LPA. The Court procedure is presently very slow and the fees are quite expensive so preparing a LPA is always advisable, providing you have somebody sufficiently trustworthy to appoint as your attorney. An ‘advance directive’ allows you to communicate
56
If you don’t have your own solicitor, ask your family or friends for their recommendations. Contact several firms, explain your situation and ask for an estimate of cost and an idea of timescales involved. Many firms will make home visits if necessary and will adapt their communications to meet your needs. It’s important to find a solicitor who specialises in this area of the law. The Citizens Advice Bureau offers an advice service and will be able to recommend solicitors in your area. The Law Society has a list of solicitors who specialise in working with older people. Visit: www.lawsociety.org.uk for more details.
This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care